By Nathan Eyagu

SOROTI CITY – In a landmark development set to redefine the cultural landscape of the Iteso community, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has officially secured the land title for the long-awaited Royal Palace, paving the way for construction to commence.

The issuance of the duplicate land title by the Ministry of Lands marks a critical breakthrough for the ICU, ending years of administrative hurdles and delays that had threatened the Shs. 3 billion government-funded project allocated for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The title, registered under the name of the Iteso Cultural Union, encompasses plots 15–17 along Serere Road in Soroti Municipality, which previously housed the East Kyoga Regional Police headquarters. Its acquisition signals both the legal ownership and the restoration of cultural authority to the Iteso leadership.

Prime Minister Andrew Ocole, speaking on behalf of the ICU Cabinet, expressed profound gratitude for the milestone. “This is more than a document. It is a symbol of heritage, pride, and our collective resilience as a people. The palace will be a place that unites all Iteso, home and abroad,” he said.

Architectural blueprints and the project’s Bills of Quantities (BOQs) have already been submitted to the Ministry of Resident Affairs, setting the stage for a groundbreaking ceremony that is expected to attract cultural leaders, government officials, and international guests.

His Highness Emorimor III, Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, whose leadership has been central to the recent strides, praised the commitment and teamwork that made the achievement possible. “This palace will not only symbolize our past but will also serve as a foundation for future generations. It will inspire cultural renewal, unity, and prosperity.”

The road to this success, however, has not been without challenges. The land, initially handed over to ICU by Soroti District Local Government on January 28, 2022, became a subject of controversy following the mysterious loss of the original title during a previous administration. The uncertainty worsened after the passing of His Highness Emorimor II Augustine Osuban Lemukol in February 2022, creating a leadership vacuum and delays in succession planning.

Despite these setbacks, ICU leaders, with support from Soroti City and District authorities, embarked on a determined mission to secure a duplicate title. Their efforts culminated in the registration of the freehold title — Volume HQT803 FOLIO15 — covering 0.8390 hectares.

Deputy Minister for Information, Mr. Stephen Ojacor, highlighted the urgency that had propelled the ICU to act. “We were on the brink of losing the Shs. 3 billion allocation. Recovering this title was a race against time, and I commend the team for their unwavering commitment.”

The project is being hailed as a historic affirmation of the government’s recognition of cultural institutions and their role in national development. It also brings renewed focus to the role of the Iteso Cultural Union in fostering unity and preserving indigenous knowledge systems.

Minister of Religious Affairs, Bishop Barnard Ebyau, was among those lauded for steadfast support during the title recovery and planning process. His involvement, alongside technical officers and cultural stakeholders, was instrumental in mobilizing consensus and ensuring transparency.

With plans now in high gear for the laying of the foundation stone, the ICU is extending a clarion call to the Iteso diaspora, development agencies, and cultural enthusiasts to rally behind the initiative.

“This is not just a palace for a king,” Ocole emphasized. “It is a house for the spirit of the Iteso people, built with pride, protected by unity, and destined for greatness.”

As construction prepares to begin, the ICU’s vision of a vibrant cultural renaissance is inching closer to reality — a bold step into a future rooted in heritage and driven by the dreams of a proud people.